ABC Orders Racial Drama Pilot From '12 Years a Slave' Writer

January 15, 2014 04:54:17 GMT

John Ridley-penned 'American Crime' will center on the personal lives of the players involved in a racially charged trial.

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN

Hot on heels of his work on critically-acclaimed film "12 Years a Slave", screenwriter John Ridley's racial drama has received a pilot order from ABC. Titled "American Crime", it's written by the Golden Globe-nominated screenwriter who will also executive produce it along with Michael McDonald.

The drama is set in California's Central Valley. It revolves around the lives of the players in a trial for a racially charged murder. The case takes on greater meaning in the community, bringing to the forefront America's hardened views on race, class and gender politics.

Ridley was nominated for Best Screenplay at the recent Golden Globe Awards but lost it to Spike Jonze with "Her". The slavery movie, however, won the best drama picture title and is considered a leading contender at the upcoming Academy Awards.

Ridley worked on TV shows like "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "Third Watch" before focusing on feature films. His big-screen credits include writing for 1999's "Three Kings", 2002's "Undercover Brother" and 2012's "Red Tails".